Ohio History Journal

340       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

gentlemen, prominent in the field of scholarship and the study of

the archaeology and history of Ohio, secured an appropriation

from the General Assembly of $2,500.00 for the purposes of an

Ohio exhibit at Philadelphia. Collections of an archaeological

and historical nature were solicited from all parts of the State

and the result, in the Centennial Exposition, was that, outside of

the National Smithsonian Institution, Ohio had the finest and

most interesting exhibit of prehistoric antiquities and historic

relics.

Following this brilliant start, the Ohio Archaeological Asso-

ciation struggled upon meagre means and almost purely voluntary

efforts of its members, there being no employed agent to properly

nurture its existence and growth. It feebly lived until the un-

timely death (November 11, 1883) of its Secretary and master

spirit, Professor Short. The society became inoperative. But

the purpose of its members sprang anew. Governor George

Hoadly, who took an active interest in all matters pertaining to

the archaeology and history of the state, upon his accession to

office, conferred with Mr. A. A. Graham, author of the History

of Richland county, who had been a participant in the affairs

of the Ohio Archaeological Association and who was an en-

thusiastic student of Ohio Antiquities. The revival of the old

society upon broadened lines was decided upon. A meeting for

this purpose was called to convene at the office of the Secretary

of State, on February 12, 1885. There were present at this

meeting, General James S. Robinson, of Kenton; Hon. Chauncey

N. Olds, of Columbus; Professor N. S. Townshend and Samuel

C. Derby, of Ohio State University; Messrs. J. J. Janney, C. J.

Wetmore and A. A. Graham, of Columbus. General Robinson

was made chairman and Mr. Graham secretary of the meeting.

The object of the gathering was stated to be to consider not

only the revival and reorganization of the former Archaeological

Society but in addition to develop and emphasize an historical

side, which would largely increase the value of the Society and

the scope of its labors.

As a result of this conference General Robinson, Professor

Townshend and Mr. Graham were appointed a committee to

Dedicatory Exercises May 30, 1914.        341

draft and issue a call for a state convention of those interested

in the subject, to be held at Columbus, March 12, 1885.

In pursuance of these instructions the committee prepared

a circular which, at some length, stated the object of the pro-

posed society, viz., that of securing the membership and bring-

ing about the cooperation of students, scholars and others inter-

ested in the archaeology and history of our state, to explore

the earthworks of the prehistoric men, to collect relics and speci-

mens found therein, to gather implements of the Indian period,

secure and preserve manuscripts, pamphlets, papers, books,

paintings and all other historical material, provide rooms for

the proper preservation and arrangement of an archaeological

museum and an historical library. This circular was sent to

the leading newspapers of the state, which gave it due publicity,

to the principal educators and school teachers and to all persons

whom it was thought might be interested therein. The responses

were prompt and evinced a degree of interest in the movement

beyond the expectation of its promotors.

Pending the convention proposed, informal meetings of its

protagonists were held in Columbus to perfect arrangements.

At one of these Alexis Cope, John W. Andrews and A. A.

Graham were appointed a committee to draft a plan of perma-

nent organization. Richard S. Harrison, Henry T. Chittenden

and Robert E. Neil were made a committee on arrangements

and John J. Janney, Chas. J. Wetmore, Sr., and Samuel S.

Rickly were delegated to select temporary officers.

Pursuant to the "call" issued for this convention, about

sixty gentlemen, representing all parts of the state and all fields

of intellectual endeavor, met in the state library on the morning

of Thursday, March 12, 1885. The meeting was called to order

by Mr. Rickly, who nominated Allen G. Thurman as chairman,

who, on taking the chair, gave a general outline of the work

done by the former Archaeological Association, and briefly

sketched the work proposed for the new organization.  Mr.

Graham  was elected temporary secretary of the convention.

The committee on permanent organization reported articles of

incorporation, which, in substance, were: The name of the

organization should be the Ohio State Archaeological and His-

Dedicatory Exercises May 30, 1914.         343

torical Society; its principal place of business should be at the

city of Columbus; that it was formed for the purpose of pro-

moting the knowledge of archaeology and history of Ohio, by

establishing and maintaining a museum and library, etc.; the

society should have no capital stock, and in no way be organized

for profit. The articles of incorporation were signed by the

charter members.

These articles of incorporation were duly filed with the

Secretary of State on March 13, 1885, which was the date of

the legal birth of the society.

The committee on organization reported a constitution and

by-laws for the society. At the meeting in the afternoon of

the same day the first board of trustees was elected.

In the evening of March 12th, the first public meeting of

the Society was held in the senate chamber of the capitol, which

was well filled with members of the legislature, prospective

members of the Society and the public which had been invited.

Hon. Allen G. Thurman presided. General R. Brinkerhoff

spoke on "The Old Ohio Archaeological Association;" Dr.

Israel W. Andrews on "The Beginning of the Colonial System

of the United States;" Prof. John B. Peaslee on "Ohio;" Hon.

William P. Cutler (grandson of Dr. Manasseh Cutler), on "The

Settlement of Ohio;" Hon. Henry B. Curtis on "The Influence

of the Character of the Pioneers upon the History of the State,"

and Dr. William E. Moore on "The Religious History of the

State."

On the following day, March 13, the Society met in the

state library, when the organization was completed by the elec-

tion of the officers. [A complete list of the officers and trustees

is given at the conclusion of the account of these proceedings.]

It was at that time purposed that a vice president be elected

from each of the twenty-one congressional districts of the state,

and in furtherance of that proposition vice presidents were

elected from a few of the districts. The plan of district vice

presidents obtained only a year or two, the plan being found

impracticable.

Between the dates of April 24, 1885, and February 18, 1886,

the Society held public meetings in Columbus, Hamilton and

344       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

Mansfield, at which addresses were delivered by distinguished

scholars and speakers. On the latter date (February 18, 1886),

the Society held its second annual meeting.* This meeting was

held in the State library, Capitol building, Columbus. General

Brinkerhoff presided. An open meeting of the Society was held

in the evening in the senate chamber, when addresses were made

by the historian, Henry Howe, Prof. I. W. Andrews and other

distinguished speakers.

At the third annual meeting of the Society (February 23,

1887), it was resolved that the Society issue a publication in

pamphlet or magazine form, not less than once per quarter, and

this magazine, known as The Ohio State Archaeological and

Historical Quarterly, first made its appearance in the following

June (1887), under the direction of an editorial committee con-

sisting of Prof. George W. Knight, Burke A. Hinsdale, G.

Frederick Wright, William H. Venable and Israel W. Andrews.

This Quarterly, under the auspices stated, was published

until three volumes were completed, the last in 1891, when the

publication was discontinued for lack of funds and engross-

ment of the efforts of the Society in other directions. Its

publication was resumed in 1894, under the editorial direction

of Mr. E. O. Randall, at that time Associate Secretary, and who

became a member of the Society in 1885. The twenty-third

volume is now (May 30, 1914) in process of publication under

the same editorial direction.

The year 1888 was one of intense activity of the Society.

That year, under its direction, was held at Marietta the Cen-

tennial Celebration of the Northwest Territory, during the 5th

and 6th days of April.+ At this celebration, under the manage-

ment of the Society, some of the most distinguished statesmen

and scholars of the country participated, viz., Gen. R. B. Hayes;

Hon. George F. Hoar; Hon. George B. Loring; Gov. J. B. For-

aker; Ex-Gov. Joseph Cox; Hon. William M. Farrar; William

Henry Smith; J. Randolph Tucker, of Virginia; Hon. Samuel F.

*This meeting in the records of the annual publications of the

Society is mistakenly designated as the first annual meeting.

+Detailed account of the Marietta Centennial will be found in

volume 2 of the Society publications.

Dedicatory Exercises May 30, 1914.         345

Hunt; Rev. Edward E. Hale; Dr. A. L. Chapin; Dr. Henry M.

Storrs; Hon. John W. Daniel, of Virginia.

In the fall of this year (1888) the Society, by invitation of

the State authorities, cooperated with a state committee ap-

pointed by the legislature, in a program of several days' duration,

commemorating the one hundredth anniversary of the settlement

of the Northwest Territory. This celebration was held at Co-

lumbus, and at the same time and place the Grand Army of

the Republic held its National Encampment.

The fifth annual meeting consisted of two days' session,

held January 31 and February 1, 1889, the first day's meeting

being held in the senate chamber at Columbus, and the second

days's proceedings in Chillicothe, where a banquet was tendered

the members of the society by citizens of the first capital of

Ohio, and an historical address was delivered by Henry Howe.

In the winter of 1888 and 1889, through the courtesy of

Adjutant General H. A. Axline, the society was given space

for its museum and library in a room on the third floor, east

side, of the State House, where the books and relics were

arranged, as well as possible, in shelves and cases. Up to this

time the office of the Secretary, Mr. Graham, consisted merely

of desk room in one of the alcoves of the state library.

On the days of October 16, 17, 18 and 19, 1890, under

the auspices and management of the Society, there was held

at the city of Gallipolis a centennial anniversary celebration of

the French settlement of that town in the year 1790. The event,

most successfully carried out through the aid of the people of

Gallipolis, attracted attention of the press throughout the

country. Distinguished speakers were present from other states,

and historical addresses were delivered by James E. Campbell,

Governor of Ohio, Judge R. A. Safford, Gen. Charles H.

Grosvenor, Rev. Washington Gladden, Daniel J. Ryan, Rev.

J. M. Davis (President, Rio Grande College), Rev. H. A.

Thompson (President, Otterbein University), Col. R. D. Mar-

shall, Rev. David Moor (Editor, The Western Christian Advo-

cate), Rev. Dr. Lasher (Editor, Journal and Messenger), Rev.

Sylvester Scoville (President, Wooster College), Bishop Wat-

Dedicatory Exercises May 30, 1914.         347

Israel Williams and E. P. Lockwood; for one year (until 1892)

Matthew C. Read and William J. Gilmore.

This same legislature also passed a joint resolution as to

the custodianship of Fort Ancient, as follows:

"Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, That

the care and control of Fort Ancient, shall be vested in the board of

trustees of the Ohio Archaeological and Historical Society, who shall hold

the lands and property thereon subject to such use as the General

Assembly may by law direct." (Adopted April 24, 1891.)

On October 20th, 1892, a special meeting of the society was

held, as the result of an excursion for that purpose, at the Mc-

Coy House, Chicago, Ill. At this meeting Ex-President Ruther-

for B. Hayes was elected a trustee and president, to fill the

unexpired term of Mr. Francis C. Sessions, who died March

25th, 1892, and who was at the time of his death both trustee

and president.

There was no ninth (eighth according to old reckoning)

annual meeting of the society held in 1893, as there should

have been in February of that year, the purpose having been

to hold this annual meeting at Chicago, but when that was sub-

sequently attempted the question arose as to the legality of the

society holding such meeting without the state of Ohio, and

no meeting was held, the trustees holding over, pending the

election of the successors of those whose terms expired at this

meeting.

The society made an extensive exhibit of archaeological and

historical material at the Chicago Columbian Exposition, which

was one of the distinguishing features of the exposition, attract-

ing wide attention and eliciting complimentary articles in the

newspapers throughout the country. Daniel J. Ryan was pres-

ident of the Ohio Commission for the Exposition, and A. A.

Graham was supervisor of the Society's exhibit.

The trustees, however, held a meeting in the state library,

Columbus, April 23, 1893. At this meeting, on account of ill

health, Secretary Graham was granted indefinite leave of

absence, and Mr. E. O. Randall was chosen associate secretary.

The Governor (McKinley), made the usual appointment of two

348       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

trustees, viz., E. O. Randall* and Josiah Hartzell, to succeed the

retiring trustees, Messrs. Read and Lockwood. These gentle-

men were appointed to serve from February 19, 1893, to Febru-

ary 19, 1896. On February 28, 1894, Mr. Hartzell resigned and

Mr. A. H. Smythe was appointed by the Governor to fill out the

unexpired term.

At the tenth annual meeting of the society, held February

19, 1894, Mr. Randall was chosen temporary secretary and the

society accepted the possession of Serpent Mound, in Adams

county, it being presented through the instrumentality of Prof.

Frederick Putnam to the Society by the trustees of Harvard

University. At this meeting, also, Mr. Warren K. Moorehead,

who had been chosen by the Ohio State University to take

charge of their department of archaeology in Orton Hall, was

also made Curator of the Society's archaeological museum, and

director of its archaeological explorations.

Mr. A. A. Graham tendered his resignation as secretary of

the Society on November 10th, 1894, at which time Mr. Ran-

dall was elected secretary to succeed him; this office of secretary-

ship Mr. Randall has held to the present time.

In August, 1895, the society participated in the proceedings

of the Greenville Centennial Celebration, the one hundredth

anniversary of the signing of the Greenville Treaty.

On April 3, 1897, Mr. Warren K. Moorehead tendered

his resignation as Curator of the Society, which resignation

was accepted August 2₇th, and Mr. Clarence Loveberry, who

had been acting as assistant curator, was promoted to the

Curatorship.

On September 29, 1898, the Society participated in the Cen-

tennial Anniversary of the settlement of Gnadenhutten by John

Heckewelder and the Moravian Mission. This celebration was

inspired and directed by the Rev. William C. Rice.

On June 1, 1898, William   C. Mills was elected by the

executive committee as Curator, to serve until February 1, 1899,

* Mr. Randall was subsequently reappointed as trustee suc-

cessively by Governors Bushnell, Nash, Herrick, Harris, Harmon and

Cox, being an uninterrupted service from his first appointment to the

present time, a period of twenty-one years.

350      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

Preliminary to the centennial ceremonies to be held in 1903,

under the auspices of the Society, on November 29, 1902, at

Chillicothe, an interesting event occurred in the nature of the

unveiling of the tablet in the court house, the tablet being a bar

relief of Ohio's first Governor, Edwin Tiffin. The tablet was

presented for this purpose by Mr. William H. Hunter, one of

the trustees of the Society and thorough scholar and extensive

writer of early Ohio history. There were many distinguished

visitors present, the main address being delivered by Daniel J.

Ryan, other speakers being Robert W. Manly, Mayor W. D.

Yaple, Judge J. C. Douglas and William T. McClintock.

On September 30, 1905, the Society held public exercises at

the site of Big Bottom Park, on the Muskingum river; the loca-

tion of the historic pioneer stockade which the Indians burned in

1791, massacring nearly all the inmates. This sacred ground,

marked by a fine commemorative marble monument, was pre-

sented to the Society by Mr. Obediah Brokow. The celebration

of the acceptance by the Society was attended by several thou-

sand spectators. Addresses were made by C. L. Martzolff, Tod

B. Galloway, D. J. Ryan, R. Brinkerhoff, E. O. Randall and G.

F. Wright. James Ball Naylor read a poem written for the

occasion.

In the summer of 1907 the Society again exhibited a portion

of its museum at the Jamestown Exposition, which exhibit, like

its other archaeological exhibits, was a center of attraction,

especially among visitors from Ohio, and added much to the

fame of the Society because of its work along archaeological

lines. This exhibit was also under the excellent supervision of

Curator Mills.

For many years Col. Webb C. Hayes had in contemplation

the preservation of Spiegel Grove, splendid home of his dis-

tinguished father, as a memorial to one of Ohio's great presi-

dents. He wished that this might become the Mt. Vernon of

the Buckeye State, and finally selected our Society as the proper

agent for the carrying out of this loyal idea. After conferences

with the trustees and proper agreements as to plans therefor,

on March 31, 1909, Col. Hayes delivered to the Society his

352       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

deed for 10.77 acres, known as the "Harrison Trail," through

Spiegel Grove, Fremont.

On March 10th, 1910, Colonel Hayes presented to the

Society, through deed of that date, ten acres, more or less, being

the remaining portion of Spiegel Grove property, excepting some

five acres embracing the residence.

At the time of the delivery of the second deed, Colonel Hayes

also placed in escrow a third deed, to the Society, covering the

remaining five acres, including the homestead, the complete de-

livery of the latter deed being conditioned on certain homestead

reservations and upon the agreement that the Society, within a

certain specified time, would erect, on the ground to be trans-

ferred, a fireproof building for the permanent housing of the

library and historical documents of the late President R. B.

Hayes.

The conditions of these deeds have nearly been complied

with by the completion of a beautiful memorial library and

museum building, which was provided for by appropriation by

the General Assembly in the session of 1911.

The dedication of this building is but a few weeks off, and

at that time the history of the transfer of Spiegel Grove to our

Society and the erection of an appropriate museum and library

building will be related and proper credit given to the patriotic

generosity and filial devotion of Colonel Hayes.

July 17, 1912, the executive committee, having previously

been authorized so to do, accepted the property known as Logan

Elm Park, from the Pickaway Historical Association. The

donation of this park to the Society was made possible by the

active efforts of Mrs. Dr: Howard Jones and the liberality of

Miss Elizabeth Ruggles, who donated the funds with which

the Pickaway County Historical Society obtained the title which

it transferred to our Society.

On October 2nd, 1912, the State Society dedicated the

Logan Elm, carrying out a program that was most unique and

interesting. It happened to be at the time of the meeting at

Columbus of the National Association of American Indians,

many of whom were the guests of the State Society and who pro-

ceeded to Logan Elm Park and participates in the exercises.

Dedicatory Exercises May 30, 1914.        353

Addresses were made by Mrs. Howard Jones, Frank Tallmadge,

G. Frederick Wright, Chase Stewart, Curator Mills, Secretary

Randall and by Charles E. Dagenett of the Peoria tribe of Indians

and Fred E. Parker of one of the Iroquois tribes. Several

Indians representing the Sioux, Chippewa, Winnebago, Seneca,

Mingo, Osage, Cherokee, Cheyenne, and other tribes were present,

and all spoke with much feeling and praise concerning the great

Mingo chief Logan, whose speech was supposed to have been

delivered-at least read by Captain Gibson to Dunsmore's army-

on the very spot where the present speakers were holding the

dedicatory exercises. Miss Calvert of the Sioux tribe, South

Dakota, read Logan's speech.

Such, in brief, is a running chronicle of the more important

events in the history of the Society to the present time. All

these incidents mentioned have been fully related in the annual

or special publications of the Society. That this history, alluded

to in so desultory a way, represents the expenditure of great

labor and patience on the part of the officers goes without say-

ing. Like all achievements of human effort, the growth of

this Society from its beginning to its splendid accomplishment

to-day is the story of patience and struggle. At times we have

met with obstacles and opposition from without, chiefly from

the fact that the popular idea had prevailed in some quarters

that the purpose and workings of this Society were sentimental

and ideal rather than practical and utilitarian-in short, that

it is a luxury for the enjoyment of faddists, archaeological

cranks and historical enthusiasts. The greatest work which our

Society has accomplished, to my mind, has been the education

in archaeology and history it has brought about in the State of

Ohio; that such an institution not only has a purpose but that

that purpose has been worth while and is one of the most im-

portant features of public education, namely, the inculcation in

the youth of a knowledge of the past, a study of history. To

know archaeology and history is to know the human race, and

to know the human race is no small acquisition. The Society

has had its critics, indeed its enemies, but that was to be expected.

It is the lot of every successful effort.

Vol. XXIII -23.

Dedicatory Exercises May 30, 1914.         355

been thoroughly justified in giving us the financial aid which

it has done. The Society is certainly upon a most substantial

basis for it now possesses or has the control and custodianship

of property aggregating nearly half a million dollars in value.

It would be quite impossible, owing to lack of time, for

me to give due credit to the many gentlemen for whose assist-

ance we are indebted. First of all, great credit should be given

to the building committee, and particularly to its chairman, Mr.

Lewis P. Schaus, than whom it would be difficult to find a man

better qualified for that position, as he has had much experience

in the erection of public buildings. He has devoted a large part

of his time for the past two years to the Society, without any re-

ward save that of the interest he has taken in the work, being

in hearty sympathy with its purpose and accomplishments. The

other members of the committee have rallied to the support of the

chairman with unusual harmony and enthusiasm. Nor should

we omit to mention the services of our treasurer, Mr. Edwin

F. Wood, whose responsibility has been to oversee the financial

accountings and make the proper adjustments between the state

and the Society.

The architect, Joseph N. Bradford, professor in the architec-

tural department of the University, has acquitted himself with

distinct honor. It was a fortunate stroke for the Society when

it secured his services. His labors speak for themselves in

the efficient and successful manner in which he carried out the

general ideas and suggestions of the building committee.

Moreover we have been exceedingly fortunate in finding

friends when and where most needed.

Almost from the beginning of my secretaryship, in addi-

tion to my yearly duty of presenting to the finance committees

of the legislature the needs of our Society, my efforts were

directed toward securing an appropriation for this building.

Time and again I appeared before the finance committees of

the Legislature and plead, with all the persuasion within me,

that the state give us a local habitation and a home. Bills were

introduced either separately or in conjunction with the general

appropriations, having a building in view. But all in vain.

Finally the psychological moment came, when the Finance Com-